RB: I see this kind of move a lot at the Guardian Chess Club. But since I don't know this opening and have no idea what theory recommends, I should ask myself, before rejecting it out of hand, what happens if Black succeeds in playing the bishop to g4, which 7 h3 is obviously intended to prevent. Let's say I play 7 Bd3. After 7...Bg4, 8 0-0 0-0 (or 8...Nc6) 9 Be3, White's central pawns are protected and behind them his pieces are nicely placed. I would also consider 7 Bb5+ (a variation of our old friend), 7 Bc4, or even 7 Be2. In fact, I would play almost any other move before 6 h3, which looks to me obviously poor, weakening the kingside and wasting a tempo.

DK: "Wasting a tempo": those are the crucial words. If time were unlimited, the pawn move would look attractive. For example, ...Bg4 is worth preventing, as exchanges ease Black's cramped position. And much later, White's castled king is immune to back-rank checkmates as there is an escape square ready. The h-pawn will turn into a weakness only if White is very careless.

But 7 h3 represents a missed opportunity. Black's inaccurate opening play has presented White with a splendid pawn centre and the chance to strike early. He should play instead 7 Bb5+, gaining time with a check. If 7...Nc6, 8 d5 wins material; likewise 7...Nbd7 8 e5 is dreadful. The only decent reply is 7...Bd7, but 8 e5 takes the fight to Black straightaway. 8...dxe5 9 dxe5 Ng4 avoids immediate catastrophe, but 10 e6 fxe6 11 Qe2 is an excellent pawn sacrifice. The e6 pawn is likely to fall, leaving Black's king exposed, even after castling. On the other hand, White's castled king will be secure, and his development straightforward. Black is under huge pressure right from the start.

Time is perhaps the most important factor in the opening. Whoever mobilises their army first will seize the initiative, putting their opponent under pressure. Every move in the opening is precious. 6 h3 is a nicety, but not a priority.